Senseless loss of life as another Indian flyover collapses

12 April 2016 12:47

At least 28 are dead and a further 108 injured after an
under-construction flyover collapsed onto a congested market in northern
Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal State in the afternoon of Thursday
31 March 2016.

A 100-metre (330 feet) section of the 2.2km construction came crashing
down suddenly around lunchtime, crushing pedestrians, cars and other
vehicles under huge concrete slabs and metal, according to union
representatives who visited the site and met the injured. A massive
rescue operation has been launched, involving the State authorities,
National Disaster Response Force and Army.

The State Government has agreed to make a small ex-gratia payment of INR
500,000 (US$7500) to the families of those who died and INR 200,000
(US$3000) to those injured severely.

Rama Chandra Khuntia, President of INBCWF and BWI World Council Member
demanded full support for the affected while strongly condemning the
accident. “The flyover collapse is another glaring example of how low
quality construction materials, poor safety standards and a frantic pace
of work can generate tragic accidents. A Judicial Inquiry must be
established and adequate compensation paid to the family members who
have lost their loved ones. Those found responsible should be dealt with
firmly.”

The leadership of the various central trade unions of the West Bengal
State have also condemned this flyover collapse and have called for
stringent action against the guilty. Following protests and widespread
political outrage, a total of eight officials of the construction
company IVRCL have been arrested.